About us
We believe your mouth is the centre of your universe – and that’s why we do things a little differently.
Mission
To have a vibrant caring team which provides seamless clinical excellence focusing on your overall health. We achieve this through comprehensive dental care, education and an ethos of continual improvement for patients and staff.
Vision
Continuity of care is a priority at Dougherty Dental, which means each time you visit us you feel comfortable in the hands of our professional, dedicated and friendly team.
Welcome
How we work
You’re likely to see less of us than other dentists, because early intervention is our speciality.
Your dental plan is in your hands – meaning we will discuss with you what needs to be done, and create a plan that works for you.
Dr Larry Dougherty will sit down and talk to you about your options, and any concerns you have will be worked through.
Our family-like environment is central to our client-centred philosophy.
This approach aims to give you the best possible outcome regardless of the situation, and confidence that the long-term health of not just your teeth, but your whole mouth, is our total focus.
We think you’ll like our modern and spacious practice, although you might find it a little bit different from the look of a traditional dental surgery.
We welcome clients from all throughout Southland – including Invercargill, Te Anau, Gore, Balclutha, Winton and Otautau.
We’re dedicated to using the most advanced technologies and methods to make your treatment a seamless and worry-free experience.
Meet the team
Dr Larry Dougherty
Hello, my name is Dr Dougherty but most people call me Larry.
My family and I moved to New Zealand in 2006. My wife Janine is from Invercargill, so it was a home coming for her, and we love being able to raise our two children in Southland.
Living in Southland allows me to get into the outdoors where I enjoy hunting, fishing and taking part in multi-sport events. I am also a keen cook and I love swimming, especially in Southland’s brisk lakes.
I gained a Doctorate in Medical Dentistry in 1992 from Boston University. A one year residency at Boston University School of Dentistry gained me a Diploma in Advanced Education in General Dentistry. I also have a Bachelors Degree in Biology.
I worked in a practice in Wildwood Crest, New Jersey from 1994 until we came home in 2006.
I love continuing education and strive to provide the best possible care for my patients with the most up to date information and technology. I am a Graduate of the world-renowned Seattle Centre for Clinical Excellence directed by Dr John Kois, one of only five dentists in New Zealand to have this training.
Katherine Geremia
Oral Health Therapist
Katherine graduated from the Canadian Academy of Dental Hygiene in 2010 with Honours. She then attended The University of Alberta and University of Manitoba to attain certification in Local Anaesthetic and Nitrous oxide. Katherine is a member of the New Zealand, Canadian and Australian Dental Hygiene Associations. She is also a trained professional in Laser Periodontal Therapy. Katherine has worked in Canada, Australia and New Zealand and has been working at Dougherty Dental since Nov 2021.